The Necessity of Private Armies

According to BBC, private military companies are becoming increasingly more present in locations of United Nations, or UN, occupation. There is date, though it may be incomplete, that suggests payment to such private militaries increased approximately 77 percent in 2010 from 2009. In 2009, around 44 million dollars was spent on contractors, but in 2010, approximately 76 million dollars was spent, according to one report. While the Global Policy Forum calls the use of the contractors "dangerous" and states that they are "unaccountable", a UN spokesman claims that the private contractors are "appropriate". Many fear contractors smuggling and selling arms in conflict zone. This argument does have some validity, as it has happened in Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, and Somalia. However, to combat this statement, I shall ask a question; what about all the contractors, such as Travis Haley, that fought and continue to fight in the same manner as standard soldiers? The UN is not the only organization that recognizes the necessity for contractors. The Nigerian Army has hired contractors to aid in the fighting against Boko Haram. A non-commissioned officer even stated that South African and foreign contractors were the ones doing most of the fighting. While the Nigerian military and government admit to allowing contractors to fight alongside the Army, officials swear that the foreigners are only training. Why the officials would be worried about covering their own behinds by saying that the contractors are only training is beyond me. Contractors have done great work in all regions of the world, even if there have been a few bad apples. But as the old saying goes, "you cannot let a few bad apples spoil the whole batch." Only the bad actions of contractors are brought to the attention of the media, while the great actions of valor committed by contractors acted out by, once again, Travis Haley and his teammates at the battle of Najaf, Iraq. Contractors are not all bad and will continue to fight in the world. When state armies can no longer fight, contractors will be there to take their place.

Travis Haley speaks about the events at Najaf, Iraq.

Part 1 and part 2 of entire firefight.

Strong language and violence. Viewer discretion advised.